Mary is a proud wheelchair user from a two-generation rail family, who has a rail goal is for independent level boarding. She has been a co-chair of the AAP since 2023 and has worked with East West Rail on enterprise and inclusion. 

As a founding member of the Accessibility Advisory Panel, Mark is committed to building a rail network where accessibility is a priority from day one. His journey in disability advocacy began more than 40 years ago, after a spinal injury during his first university rugby match left him paralysed. 

Asif Iqbal MBE is a Deaf accessibility advocate with over 30 years of experience driving equality, inclusion, and systemic change across public transport and services. He joined the Accessibility Advisory Panel to ensure Deaf and disabled people can travel with confidence, independence, and dignity.

Stephen is a passionate advocate for accessibility and has been part of East West Rail’s Accessibility Panel since 2023. As a wheelchair user, he brings first-hand experience and a strong commitment to improving accessibility standards, not just in rail travel but across society. 

Gary is severely sight impaired, which means he navigates the built environment in ways that aren’t always considered. He hopes to share insight from personal experience with the panel and East West Rail and make a difference for future designs for those in the disabled community.

Liz has been a member of the panel since 2023. She lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, neuropathy, and Sjögren’s, which means she now uses a wheelchair. Liz joined the panel to ensure disabled voices are heard in shaping the future of rail accessibility.

Ernie is a wheelchair user with a mobility impairment following Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in 2007. He's been a member of the East West Rail Accessibility Panel since its inception, bringing 40+ years of experience in Senior roles within the railway industry.

Philip has been a member of the panel since its formation. Born in 1936 near the railway where the Mallard set its world speed record, I’ve been a lifelong cyclist and rail traveller. As a former Surveyor and Town Planner with Milton Keynes Development Corporation, I’m passionate about addressing the transport barriers faced by disabled people.

Ian has been a member of the East West Rail Accessibility Panel since its formation in 2023. Ian has Post-Polio Syndrome, a neurological condition that affects his mobility. His hope is a fully accessible railway where level boarding is standard and passengers can board trains independently, without the need for steps or portable ramps. 

Kevin has been a member of the Accessibility Advisory Panel since 2023. He's a through-hip amputee who doesn’t drive. Kevin joined the panel as he felt like it was an incredible opportunity to help improve the railway where he now lives. He would like the work to be recognised and valued, with real, tangible improvements across the network. 

Joe has been a member of the East West Rail Accessibility Panel since its establishment. He's an electric wheelchair user with a high-level spinal injury, but firmly believes that the real disability is society’s failure to design inclusive environments and challenge outdated stereotypes. Joe joined the panel to contribute my lived experience to a project committed to creating an inclusive railway system, enabling all passengers to travel safely, confidently, and independently